Boucher appointed Titans head coach

Former South African wicket-keeper Mark Boucher has been appointed head coach of the Titans franchise for the next two years. Boucher, whose career ended with an eye injury in 2012, replaced Rob Walter, who left the franchise to join New Zealand's Otago Volts.

Boucher, who has a Level 2 coaching qualification, has not coached before but joined South Africa as a consultant ahead of the ongoing Test series against New Zealand. Boucher worked with the side for three days, with a focus on Quinton de Kock's glovework and the lower-order batting. Boucher will also be with the South African squad for their preparation ahead of the second Test in Centurion, his new home ground.

"I am stoked by the opportunity to get back into domestic cricket. Upon my retirement, I realised I would not be able to play the game any longer, but to be involved in the capacity as coach of a domestic power house like the Titans is thrilling," Boucher said.

The Titans have had a highly successful last two seasons under Walter, in which they have won domestic titles in all three formats. They have also acquired several new players in that time including de Kock and Chris Morris last season along with former Dolphins batsmen Jonathan Vandiar and Daniel Sincuba and Knights seamer Malusi Siboto. Boucher's main task will be to continue building on those results as the franchise looks for more success.

"I would like to fully utilise the opportunity to develop the skills of the Titans squad even more. Rob has left behind an enormous legacy, and it will be big boots to fill. But my challenge is to leave my own footprint and to make a seamless transition in association with a mature and enormously determined group of stars."